Spurs Even Series After Wembanyama’s Career-Best 33-Point Explosion vs. Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs erased a 2-1 series deficit with a 102-83 demolition of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2. The Spurs’ victory was built on a historic performance from Victor Wembanyama, who scored a career-high 33 points—including the longest shot of his NBA career from the midcourt—while anchoring a defense that stifled the Thunder into their second-lowest playoff scoring output ever.
Wembanyama’s Dominance Forces Thunder Into Defensive Shell
Wembanyama wasn’t just the Spurs’ leading scorer—he was their entire offensive attack. The 7’4″ French center finished with 33 points on 11-of-19 shooting (57.9%), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, while holding Oklahoma City to just 38 points in the first half. The Thunder’s 83 total points represented their second-lowest output in playoff history, according to league records.
Wembanyama’s signature moment came with 1:14 remaining in the first quarter when he drained a midcourt heave—his longest career shot—to put San Antonio ahead 18-10. The play capped a 14-4 Spurs run that left Oklahoma City reeling.
When asked about the midcourt shot post-game, Wembanyama downplayed the moment’s significance. “It was our first series deficit, and we just reacted,” he said. “There was no magic. We did what needed to be done.”
Thunder Struggle to Answer Spurs’ Aggressive Start
The Spurs’ intensity from the opening tip set the tone. Oklahoma City’s offense never recovered from an 8-0 start by San Antonio, with the Thunder shooting just 28.8% (24-of-83) from the field—well below their playoff average of 44.2%. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, was the team’s leading scorer with 19 points, while German center Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Spurs’ physical dominance: “They came out and hit us right in the face. This is the second straight game where they’ve been the aggressors.”
Both stars were named to the First Team All-NBA roster this season, joining Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Cade Cunningham. Their back-to-back All-NBA selections highlight how the league’s two most dynamic players are colliding in this high-stakes series.
Key Numbers That Explain the Game
| Category | Spurs | Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 102 | 83 |
| Field Goal % | 49.2% (40-of-81) | 28.8% (24-of-83) |
| Rebounds | 45 | 38 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 18 |
| Fouls | 19 | 24 |
Source: NBA.com official box score
Series Context: Spurs’ Playoff Resurgence Against Thunder
This meeting marks the third time in franchise history that the Spurs have overcome a 2-1 playoff series deficit. The Spurs have now won six of nine regular-season games against the Thunder this season—the best team in the regular season standings—setting up this high-stakes playoff rematch.
The Spurs’ success against Oklahoma City extends beyond this season. In their last two playoff meetings (2023 and 2024), San Antonio has eliminated the Thunder in six games each time, despite being the lower seed in both series.
What’s Next: Game 5 in Oklahoma City
Game 5 will be played Tuesday, May 27, at 9:00 PM local time (UTC-5) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The winner will advance to face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, with New York currently leading its WCF series 3-0.
For the Spurs, this is their first playoff series victory since 2024. For the Thunder, it’s their first chance to defend a title since winning the 2023 championship. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Key Takeaways
- Wembanyama’s versatility: His 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists showcase why he’s the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a candidate for MVP.
- Thunder’s offensive struggles: Their 28.8% shooting is the lowest in playoff history for a defending champion.
- Series momentum shift: The Spurs have now won three straight games after dropping the first two.
- Home court advantage: Game 5 will be crucial for Oklahoma City to regain momentum on their home floor.
- Finals implications: The winner will face either the Knicks (3-0 up) or Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
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